Generally, apricot production in the European Union is rather stable and it hovers on average at around 650,000 tons per year even if, according to the Cso, it passed the 750,000 tons in 2012.
The first producing country is Italy, where 33% of the European production is grown and which passed from 200,000 tons in 2000 to 250,000 tons in 2012. Others followed - France (24%, from 150,000 to 175,000 tons), Spain (11%, from 125,000 to 80,000 tons) and Germany (9%, from 50-60,000 to 75,000 tons).
"The classification of the main exporters does not coincide with that of the main producers. In fact, in 2012 France exported about a third of its supply, that is to say almost 60,000 tons with respect to the 35-40,000 exported in 2000. Spain sends abroad around half of its supply, even if exports have decreased from 60,000 tons to 35-40,000 tons. Actually, part of the French exports - around 10,000 tons per year - come from Spain and are then re-exported. The recent increase of Italy and Greece must also be stressed," explained Elisa Macchi.
In the chart, the main apricot exporting countries. Italy is blue, France is purple, Spain is red and Greece is green. The classification does not reflect that of the main producers, and shows how Italy is weak when it comes to exports (Source: Cso based on Eurostat data).
The first producing country is Italy, where 33% of the European production is grown and which passed from 200,000 tons in 2000 to 250,000 tons in 2012. Others followed - France (24%, from 150,000 to 175,000 tons), Spain (11%, from 125,000 to 80,000 tons) and Germany (9%, from 50-60,000 to 75,000 tons).
"The classification of the main exporters does not coincide with that of the main producers. In fact, in 2012 France exported about a third of its supply, that is to say almost 60,000 tons with respect to the 35-40,000 exported in 2000. Spain sends abroad around half of its supply, even if exports have decreased from 60,000 tons to 35-40,000 tons. Actually, part of the French exports - around 10,000 tons per year - come from Spain and are then re-exported. The recent increase of Italy and Greece must also be stressed," explained Elisa Macchi.
In the chart, the main apricot exporting countries. Italy is blue, France is purple, Spain is red and Greece is green. The classification does not reflect that of the main producers, and shows how Italy is weak when it comes to exports (Source: Cso based on Eurostat data).
Analysing the monthly export trend of France, Spain, Italy and Greece, the newly appointed director of the Cso pointed out how overall exports decrease in May because there is less produce from Spain. In the following months, the trend increases because the other three countries increase their exports.
Italy
In the last few years, Italian apricot exports have improved, especially when it comes to direct shipping to Germany and Austria, the main destinations. In addition, Eastern Europe markets have also developed, especially Slovenia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland and Romania. Macchi commented that, "despite the increase in volumes, prices have remained good. Italy exports between May and July, with a peak in June and July."
"Purchases from Italian families have increased until 2007, +17% from 2000, but then they went down a little, even though they managed to stay on higher levels than in the early 2000s. The average price is still increasing."
97% of apricots are bought between June and September: "Volumes sold are stable throughout June, then there's a decrease in July and they increase again in August and September, two months that have appeared to be more stable in the last few years," observed Elisa Macchi.
The good trend both abroad and domestically is not only the result of no surpluses, but it is also due to the extension of the harvesting calendar and to a varietal renovation.
2013 anticipations
"As regards 2013, because of the bad weather, we can assume that the national production will be of around 160,000 tons, almost 40% less than 2012 and one of the lowest of the past few years. The drop in production in the Southern part of the country, and in particular in Campania and Basilicata, is significant as yields are only 50% than last year and have not been balanced out by the increase in area space. In Emilia-Romagna it depends on the variety, there have especially been many problems for the early varieties. Surfaces have been increased there as well," concludes the director.
